The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
It’s a tale as old as time. The Green Bay Packers need to shore up their run defense. The Packers finished last season with the 29th-ranked run defense and gave up 4.4 yards per attempt.
A player who could help remedy the situation is Byron Murphy II. The Texas defensive tackle played a pivotal role in the Longhorns having a Top Five run defense and checks in at No. 24 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Byron Murphy II hitting the grave digger.
Brian Gutekunst trading up for the Texas DT confirmed. pic.twitter.com/XCQbNPpB6D
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) April 14, 2024
A four-star recruit, Murphy recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks during his first season on campus. The following season Murphy recorded three tackles for loss and one sack. This past season Murphy recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
“Along with fellow defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, Byron Murphy was arguably the most important player on the Longhorns’ defense last season,” Eric Henry the Texas beat writer for Horns247, said. “Sweat and Murphy were the proverbial heart and soul of last year’s team – setting the tone for the entire defense with their game-wrecking ability up the middle of the Texas defense.”
Murphy is a twitched-up, powerful defensive lineman. It’s not shocking that he was featured on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list before the season. The 6-0, 297-pound defensive tackle clocked a 1.69 10-yard split and a 4.9 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He posted a vertical of 33 inches and a broad jump of 09-03. The freaky athletic defensive tackle clocked a short-shuttle of 4.5 and a 3-cone of 7.5.
Byron Murphy II bouncing back up off the mat like he’s Rocky Balboa. pic.twitter.com/PY1hZKDF3L
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) April 14, 2024
“Murphy’s raw power and athleticism made him a virtually unstoppable force in 2023,” Henry said. “At 6-foot, 298 pounds, his size may not overwhelm you. However, he plays much bigger than his frame because of the power he possesses, he’s never going to be overpowered by an opposing offensive lineman and the strength combined with his athletic ability and quick first step make him a matchup nightmare.”
The Longhorns defense gave up 80.8 rushing yards a game. Murphy played a key role in shutting down team’s rushing attacks.
Murphy…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Packers Wire…